Summary: H3 is a new label launched by Columbia Crest. The name stands for Horse Heaven Hills, one of the new appellations in Washington state. Indian Wells is a vineyard on the Wahluke Slope – another new appellation. These three wines are all good value wines. The final wine listed, Col Solare, is a collaboration of Chateau Ste. Michelle and Italian winemaker Marchese Antinori. The winery recently built a multi-million dollar facility on Red Mountain.

Wines:

Score

Name

Notes

$

+

Columbia Crest H3 Merlot 2005

Strong vanilla and oak. Smooth. Good, full table wine. Some might say over the top.

$13

+

Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon

A little earthy. Black pepper. Lighter on the palette. A little oaky. Good.

$13

*

Ch Ste Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Good. Well made. A little Bordeaux quality to it. Spice. Vanilla. Not overwhelming but quite good.